LIFE’S INSPIRATIONS: “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36

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BIBLICAL BASIS OF WORLD ECONOMIC CRUNCH: All preparations of the Aquino government to cushion the impact of recession will mean nothing if it does not take into account that there is something Biblical in the projected greater economic hardship that will hit the world as a result of the global economic slowdown.

Our leaders must understand that the on-going crash of many world economies is a phenomenon accurately prophesied about by many parts of the Bible, including Deuteronomy 28:15-68, anchored on man’s refusal to listen to God and to obey His commands.

While job-generating activities by concerned government agencies could perhaps alleviate the sufferings of some of our people, this will not really help all of us, so the greater urgency is bring back our people to the fear and love of God and therefore win back His grace, guidance and protection once again.

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LUMINOUS MYSTERIES START WITH BAPTISM OF JESUS: After the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary of the Roman Catholic Christians, the Mysteries of Light, or the so-called Luminous Mysteries, come next, to narrate another aspect of the life of Jesus Christ starting from His baptism to the Institution of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper.

Significantly, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all contain an account of the baptism of Jesus Christ. In Matthew, we find the story in its Chapter 3, verses 13 to 17. In Mark, we find it in its Chapter 1, verses 9 to 13, while in Luke, the event is narrated in its Chapter 3, verses 21 to 22.

In John, the story is found in its Chapter 1, verses 29 to 34, although this account is not as specific about baptism as was written in Matthew, Mark and Luke.

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THE DIVINITY OF JESUS: Be that as it may, the baptism of Jesus, performed by His cousin, John the Baptist at the Jordan River, continues to be a confirmation of Jesus’ divinity, and of His status as the Son of God.

In all the Gospels, the story is told that after He was baptized, the heavens parted and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove and lightning, with a voice from heaven saying “This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Surely, in all history, there is no other person or being in this world whom God called as His Son, whom He loves and with whom He is well pleased except Jesus.